STUTTGART, Germany – Navy Adm. James Stavridis is taking over as head of the U.S. European Command in a changeover that also makes him NATO's top military commander.
Stavridis, who until now headed the U.S. Southern Command, is taking over from Army Gen. John Craddock at a ceremony in southern Germany Tuesday.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates and U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen are scheduled to attend.